Hanson Communications, in partnership with Corporate Angel Network (CAN), an organisation that arranges free flights for cancer patients on business aircraft, has completed CAN's 70,000th patient flight. To commemorate, CAN has released a video capturing the journey and the profound impact these flights have had on patients and their families.

The milestone flight carried Michael Newton, a colon cancer patient, from Minnesota to New York City for treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The trip was made possible through the generosity of Hanson Communications, a family-owned Midwest telecommunications company with a longstanding relationship with CAN.

On July 29, Bruce Hanson and his son Dominick piloted their company's Learjet 40XR from Rochester Municipal airport in Minnesota to Westchester County airport in White Plains, New York. Two days later, they flew Newton home, giving him the chance to be with his family after completing his most recent round of post-op scans.

“The CAN flights allow me to go to a top-level cancer centre and get some of the best care that I could ask for,” says Newton. “Meeting the Hansons was very cool,” he adds. “They were very welcoming and so friendly, wanting to know about me and my story.”

The Hansons described the experience as equally meaningful. “From our perspective, it just feels right that Hanson Communications should be involved with an organisation like CAN,” states Bruce.

Dominick adds: “Flying together with my dad and being a part of Corporate Angel Network has brought us closer just because I get to spend a lot more time with him now. Sharing these CAN flights with my father personally and professionally is very rewarding, and it's rewarding to know we are flying a CAN patient.”

Aviation partners, including Signature Aviation, Million Air and Drivania Chauffeurs, also played key roles in ensuring Newton's journey was seamless and stress-free.

Courtney Easton, vice president of development at CAN, who interviewed both Newton and the Hansons, reflects on the trip: “This 70,000th flight is more than a number; it's a story of hope for Michael and countless others who need access to specialised care. Every flight we arrange helps patients focus on healing rather than the stress of travel after a challenging treatment or surgery. We are incredibly grateful to partners like Hanson Communications, whose generosity makes these journeys possible; CAN simply wouldn't be here without them.”

Since its founding in 1981, CAN has helped cancer patients travel more than 70,000 times to access life-saving treatment at no cost to the patient. Each year, more than 200,000 cancer patients must travel long distances for specialised care and that number continues to grow.